DEI is not just a business strategy—it’s a shift in perspective

One of my favorite topics in HR is DEI, and my passion for it doesn’t come from formal study, but from lived experience. Moving to a new country and starting over is never easy, especially when it means stepping away from your career. I made the conscious decision to follow my husband to the Netherlands, prioritizing my family over professional growth. At times, it was tough and isolating, but today, as a proud mom of two boys (17 and 19), I realize I gained far more than I ever lost. The bond I share with my boys and the respect we have for one another are my greatest achievements.

I’m not sharing this to justify my choices or seek consolation. I want to remind others that it’s okay to set your own priorities. No matter where or when you start, you’ll land exactly where you're meant to be. This philosophy has guided me in my corporate journey. I’m not yet where I want to be, but I’m getting closer every day. Starting later than most hasn’t held me back; it has taught me to set smarter goals and work strategically.

Throughout my career, I’ve faced my own set of challenges/ discrimination while living and working across different countries, but each challenge made me stronger. In the Netherlands, I found a place that embraces diversity, which allowed me to nurture my entrepreneurial spirit and pursue new opportunities.

When I returned to the corporate world, my biggest cheerleaders were my kids, urging me to push harder. I embraced every opportunity, learning from each venture—whether it was startups, side projects, contract jobs, or online businesses. My passion for connecting with people led me to stay longer in recruitment. Many of my interviews turned into meaningful conversations, and I took pride in offering honest feedback, not automated rejections.

Running my own recruitment firm taught me more than business skills. It taught me how to be a risk-taker, patient, and strategic while staying focused on the big picture. But did my startup succeed? No. Yet, that failure brought my greatest learnings. Understanding what went wrong has shaped who I am today, and that’s something anyone seeking their path should embrace.

One of the hardest lessons I learned was how to let go. It’s never easy, but freeing up mental space is essential. What came naturally to me, however, was my passion for people. Unfortunately, in today’s world, kindness is often misinterpreted as flattery. But as expats, we don’t have the comfort of family or childhood friends nearby. We build relationships from scratch—not for power or influence, but simply to connect with like-minded people.

That’s why I believe diversity isn’t just a buzzword for the workplace—it’s a way of life. If we only surround ourselves with “people like us,” what’s the point? DEI needs to be lived every day. I’m fortunate to have a diverse circle of friends from various backgrounds, which has broadened my perspective and enriched my life in ways I never imagined.

After 13 years in the Netherlands, I’ve experienced true equity and the opportunity to pursue my goals. Of course, hard work is essential, even if the rewards don’t come immediately. As a recruiter, I developed empathy, a coaching mindset, and the ability to read between the lines, adapt, and build trust. My entrepreneurial background taught me resilience, networking, and relationship-building. With these skills in hand, I knew I was ready for more.

When workplaces offer a platform for growth, it’s not luck—it’s equity. This realization led me to transition from recruitment to leadership consulting and coaching, opening doors I hadn’t imagined. For those of us driven by passion, an inclusive workplace is key to achieving long-term goals. Today, I’m proud to be in an environment where I can write the next chapter of my career.

Life isn’t always easy, but it feels fair when you’re given the space to grow and succeed. I’m not stopping here, and though it’s a long journey, I’m confident I’m on the right path.

Starting Over